Recently an Arizona rancher was found liable for assault and emotional distress but not for civil rights violations in a lawsuit brought by a group of illegal immigrants. Story here. Interestingly the group, or their attorney, believes 42 U.S.C. section 1983 liability extends to a private rancher and protection extends to illegal immigrants. They may have attempted a “tie in” due to the Rancher’s lease arrangement with the federal government regarding federal lands. Generally, private parties are not subject to section 1983 liability. For more on civil rights click here.
Tags: arizona, civil rights